Defendants in the case, along with Brost, are Kurt A. Starkey of Tomah and Janice Y. Biederman of Sheldon, along with Germantown Insurance Company and unnamed insurance companies that may have applicable policies.

Starkey is identified as the person who was in charge of the boat at the time. He allegedly allowed Brost to drive. Biederman, identified as the owner of the boat, is alleged to have allowed Starkey to use the boat that day.

The suit alleges that Brost operated the boat in a negligent fashion by driving too fast for conditions, and he did not have the experience or training to operate a boat with that much power.

The suit claims that Starkey knew Brost was not capable of handling the boat but let him drive anyway.

The suit alleges Biederman knew that Starkey did not have the experience to operate such a boat and that that he had a history of poor judgment and "was likely to use the boat in a reckless manner."